Navajo County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Navajo County, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Navajo County, Arizona, can be a disorienting experience. The county's unique geography, a long strip bisected by I-40, presents logistical challenges that can complicate the process. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the Navajo County legal system after a DUI arrest, focusing on the specific procedures and resources available to you. Understanding the system, from vehicle impoundment to court appearances, is the first step toward protecting your rights and future.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are crucial. Here's a timeline of what to expect:

• Arrest and Initial Processing: You will likely be arrested by the Navajo County Sheriff's Office (NCSO), the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), or a local police department like Show Low PD or Winslow PD, depending on where the arrest occurred.
• Booking: You will be transported to the Navajo County Adult Detention Center in Holbrook. Be aware that if arrested in Kayenta or Show Low, this could mean a significant drive.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process. Use this opportunity to contact a loved one and an attorney.
• Bail: Bail will be set according to a predetermined schedule. The amount will depend on the severity of the charges.
• Release: Inmates can be released at any time of day or night once the court order is processed. However, keep in mind that the NCSO does not provide transportation to your residence. If released in Holbrook at 2:00 AM, you'll need to arrange transportation, especially if you live in Show Low (50 miles away) or Kayenta (120 miles away).

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can severely impact your case. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

• Administrative License Suspension (ALR) Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles (MVD) to contest the suspension of your driver's license.
• Initial Court Appearance: You will receive a notice for your initial court appearance. The date and location will depend on the Justice Court precinct where your case is filed (see below).
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended automatically, typically 15 days after the arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Navajo County

The I-40 corridor, which bisects Navajo County, is a focal point for interdiction efforts by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). This means DUI enforcement is heavily concentrated along this route. While specific DUI checkpoint locations or No Refusal weekends are not publicly advertised, be aware of increased patrols, especially during holidays and peak travel times.

Local Resources

• Navajo County Superior Court: (Located in Holbrook)

• Navajo County Adult Detention Center: (Located in Holbrook)

• Navajo County Justice Courts:

• Holbrook Justice Court (Precinct I): 121 West Buffalo, Holbrook, AZ 86025 | (928) 524-4720. Judge: Hon. Krista R. Wilkinson.

• Winslow Justice Court (Precinct II): 605 East Third Street, Winslow, AZ 86047 | (928) 289-6840. Judge: Hon. B.J. Little.

• Snowflake Justice Court (Precinct III): 145 South Main Street, Suite D, Snowflake, AZ 85937 | (928) 536-4141. Judge: Hon. Hunter Lewis.

• Kayenta Justice Court (Precinct IV): 1.5 miles east of Hwy 163, Kayenta, AZ 86033 | (928) 697-3522. Judge: Hon. Susie Nelson.

• Show Low Justice Court (Precinct V): 550 North 9th Place, Show Low, AZ 85901 | (928) 532-6030. Judge: Hon. Scott Tipton.

• Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court (Precinct VI): 1630 East White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop, AZ 85935 | (928) 368-6200. Judge: Hon. Robert Higgins.

• Online Payment for Fines:

• Show Low Justice Court: http://www.showlowtix.com/

• Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court: http://www.pinetoptix.com/

• Kayenta Justice Court: http://www.kayentatix.com/

• Towing Companies:

• Tri-R Towing (Winslow/Holbrook/I-40 Corridor): 1521 E. 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047 | (928) 289-4239.

• Blacktop Towing (Show Low/Mountain Region) (Contact information needs to be researched)

• Bail Bondsmen: (General information, search online for local listings)

• DUI Attorneys: (General information, search online for local listings)

What Makes Navajo County Different

Navajo County's vast geography and the interplay between state and tribal sovereignty create unique challenges for DUI defendants. Here are some critical differences to consider:

• Vehicle Impoundment: If arrested for Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15 or higher) or Aggravated DUI, your vehicle will be impounded for 20 days under A.R.S. § 28-3511. You'll need to contact the towing company that impounded your vehicle, which could be Tri-R Towing in Winslow/Holbrook or Blacktop Towing in Show Low.
• Justice Court Precincts: Navajo County has six Justice Court precincts, each with its own judge and procedures. Make sure you know which precinct is handling your case, as filing motions in the wrong court can cause delays.
• Kayenta Time Zone: The Kayenta Justice Court (Precinct IV) is located on the Navajo Nation, which does observe Daylight Savings Time. From March to November, Kayenta is one hour ahead of the rest of Arizona. If your attorney is scheduling a telephonic hearing, ensure they account for this time difference to avoid a Failure to Appear warrant.
• Release from Jail: If you are released from the Navajo County Jail in Holbrook in the middle of the night, remember that the NCSO does not provide transportation. You'll need to arrange your own ride, which can be difficult, especially if you live far away.
• Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court Open Court: The Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court (Precinct VI) holds "Open Court" every Tuesday at 11:30 AM. This is a chance to voluntarily appear to quash warrants without being arrested if you missed a previous court date.

Your next step should be to contact the Holbrook Justice Court at 928-524-4720 to determine your next court date.